Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 34 - Think and Discuss - Page 655: 68

Answer

Palladium-118.

Work Step by Step

Uranium has atomic number 92, meaning 92 protons. If it splits evenly, it turns into 2 atoms of palladium, atomic number 46. U-236 has 236 - 92 = 144 neutrons. Each palladium fragment would have 72 neutrons (144/2). The atomic mass is 46 + 72 = 118. The nuclei are Pd-118.
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